Last updated: 28 September 2026 · By Haider Shah, accounting technician in Portugal
Many immigrants start as self-employed (recibos verdes). When the business grows, or when you want to separate your personal assets from the business, a limited company is the next step.
Lda or Unipessoal Lda?
| Sociedade por Quotas (Lda) | Sociedade Unipessoal por Quotas | |
|---|---|---|
| Partners | 2 or more | 1 (only you) |
| Minimum capital | €1 per partner | €1 |
| Liability | Limited to the capital | Limited to the capital |
| Name ends with | “Lda.” | “Unipessoal Lda.” |
What you need
- Passport or ID of every partner and manager (gerente)
- A Portuguese NIF for every partner and manager
- A company name (choose one from the pre-approved list, or request a name certificate)
- An address for the company’s registered office
- A Contabilista Certificado (certified accountant). Companies must have organised accounting.
Two ways to create it
Empresa na Hora (in person, same day)
At an Empresa na Hora counter (in some Lojas do Cidadão and registry offices), you choose a pre-approved name and a standard articles of association. The company is created on the spot. The base cost is €360, and all partners must be present or represented.
Empresa Online
Through the ePortugal website, with a digital signature (Portuguese Citizen Card or Chave Móvel Digital) or through a lawyer or solicitor. The cost is €220 with a standard contract, or €360 with your own contract.
After the company is created
- Appoint your Contabilista Certificado within 15 days.
- Submit the start of activity declaration at Finanças (often done together at Empresa na Hora).
- Declare the beneficial owners in the RCBE register within 30 days.
- Open a company bank account and deposit the share capital by the end of the first financial year.
- Register the managers with Social Security. Paid managers contribute as members of statutory bodies.
- Set up certified invoicing software.
Yearly obligations
- Periodic VAT returns (monthly or quarterly)
- Corporate tax return (Modelo 22) and annual accounts (IES)
- Payroll and Social Security if you have employees (see hiring your first employee)
- SAF-T files and invoice communication to Finanças
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner who doesn’t live in Portugal open an Lda?
Yes, with a NIF (and usually a fiscal representative). Many use a lawyer with a power of attorney.
Is a company cheaper than recibos verdes?
It depends on your profit. Companies pay corporate tax on profit but have higher fixed costs, including the accountant. Get a simulation for your numbers first.
Need help with this?
Thinking of moving from recibos verdes to a company? I can help you compare the costs and prepare the paperwork, working with a Contabilista Certificado where one is required.
Contact meOfficial sources
- gov.pt – Sociedade por quotas: constituição
- gov.pt – Criar uma empresa na hora
- InvoiceXpress – Como criar uma empresa em Portugal em 2026
This guide is general information, checked against official sources on 28 September 2026. Rules and portals in Portugal change often, so confirm the current rules with the official source before you act. It is not legal advice.
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